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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Ibrahim Tofa" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ibrahimtofa43@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2013 05:57:09 -0700
Subject: PLEASE READ THIS LETTER VERY URGENT

Good Day ,
 
My name is Barr.Ibrahim Tofa, I may have to trouble your sense of personal achievement and reward for an opportunity properly taken advantage of.I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$10, 600, 000.00 (Ten Million Six
Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased Person(name withheld because this is my second email to you).
 
I contacted you based on recommendation therefore I can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance, since there is no written will from my late client. Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete service as I prepared to provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you.All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this deal as we are prepared to offer you 50%, 40% for me, while 10% should be given to any Orphanage Home of your choice. I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance with the below details via email:ibrahimtofa@sify.com
 
Full Name:
Full Address:
Tel No.:
Private Email:
Occupation:
Age:
 
Your prompt response is highly imperative.I know that this transaction
will bring us good relationship in future.
 
Please call me as soon as you read this mail on my direct phone number
+2348034116128

Anti-fraud resources: